Poi Cocktail is the quintessential hapa-haole (half-Caucasian) recipe: an attempt to create something with poi that conformed to Western tastes. It's a refreshing, cold drink somewhat similar to India's yogurt-based raita: like raita, it will bank the fires of a particularly spicy meal and it can be either sweet or savory.

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INGREDIENTS

1 C milk

1/4 C poi

1/2 tsp. vanilla (optional to taste)

Sea salt (optional to taste)

Crushed ice (handful)

Nutmeg or cinnamon (garnish)

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INSTRUCTIONS

Blend together 1-cup milk and 1/4 cup thin poi. For a punch-style version, add 1/2-teaspoon vanilla. For a savory version, add a pinch of freshly ground sea salt. In a blender, combine with a handful of crushed ice and process briefly. Serve in martini glasses. For sweet cocktail. garnish with a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon on top.

Many Hawaii children start their day with a variation of the following recipe, and sweetened poi was a popular dessert in poor rural households where treats were rare. In those households with no refrigeration, sweetened condensed milk would have been used in a half-and-half mixture in place of the milk and sweetener.